Demonstrating a continued effort to deepen connections with Sierra Leoneans living abroad, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Amara Sowa, attended a vibrant worship service at the Christ Is Lord International Church in Springfield, Virginia, on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
The visit marked Ambassador Amara Sowa’s third consecutive week of engaging with the Sierra Leonean diaspora as part of his diplomatic outreach. It underscored his unwavering commitment to promoting unity, collaboration and active engagement among Sierra Leoneans living in the United States and beyond.
Upon arrival, Ambassador Amara Sowa was warmly received by the church’s spiritual leader, Reverend Dr. Gibrilla Sapunka Bangura. The service opened with patriotic fervor as the congregation sang Sierra Leone’s national anthem and recited the national pledge, creating an atmosphere of unity and pride.
In his remarks to the congregation, Ambassador Amara Sowa expressed deep appreciation for the warm welcome and the opportunity to fellowship with his compatriots. He emphasized the critical role that unity plays in national development and called on all Sierra Leoneans to put aside differences for the greater good.
“We cannot develop our country if we are not united or do not show love among ourselves,” Ambassador Amara Sowa said. He encouraged members of the diaspora to consider the Sierra Leone Embassy in Washington, D.C., as their home and invited them to engage with the mission, which also serves eight other accredited countries.
The Ambassador also highlighted his recent engagements with political stakeholders in the Washington, D.C.-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area, including opposition leaders. He shared his satisfaction with their commitment to collaborate for Sierra Leone’s progress and urged the diaspora community to channel their expertise and resources toward the country’s development.
“Bring your ideas, bring your initiatives; we want to hear from you,” he told the congregation, reinforcing the embassy’s openness to inclusive dialogue and national contributions from Sierra Leoneans abroad.
The service featured a spiritually uplifting sermon by Reverend Dr. Gibrilla Sapunka Bangura, centered on the theme: “Leaning on God.” Drawing from biblical passages such as Psalm 20:3, Haggai 2:9, Joshua 24:13–15and Jeremiah 17:5–8, Reverend Dr. Gibrilla Sapunka Bangura encouraged the congregation to trust fully in God, especially in trying times. “Absolutely depending on God is what God is looking for,” he said, reminding the faithful of the importance of fear of God and standing firm on His promises.
As a demonstration of spiritual solidarity, the congregation joined together in prayer for Ambassador Amara Sowa, asking for divine protection and guidance in his duties at home and abroad.
The Ambassador’s visit to Christ Is Lord International Church represents more than just a diplomatic gesture; it symbolizes the embassy’s commitment to strengthening bonds within the Sierra Leonean diaspora community and promoting a collective vision for national development.
This outreach initiative is part of a broader strategy to engage Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora, fostering stronger links between citizens overseas and the institutions that serve them.
